WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa continues to gain momentum, with the United States leading the surge in applications under the newly revised investment visa settings. The updated policy, which came into effect on 1 April 2025, aims to attract high-value investors who actively contribute to New Zealand’s business ecosystem, helping companies expand globally while driving productivity and job creation.
Designed to offer a more dynamic and streamlined path for investors, the revised Active Investor Plus Visa replaces the earlier investment visa model. The new framework introduces two investment tiers — Growth and Balanced — to accommodate a broader range of investment profiles while maximizing economic benefits to New Zealand.
Investor Visa Uptake Grows Rapidly
As of 7 July 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has received 214 applications, representing 693 applicants including main applicants, partners, and dependent children. These new applications represent a potential minimum investment of $1.295 billion.
Notably, the United States leads with 95 applications, accounting for 288 individuals, followed by China (30 applications), Hong Kong (25), and Germany (18). Other applicants hail from countries such as Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, and Canada, reflecting the visa’s growing global appeal.
Under the new rules, 47 applications fall into the Balanced category and 167 into the Growth category. Of the total, 50 applications are from individuals transitioning from the previous visa model, while 164 are entirely new applicants. As of the latest update, 115 applications have been approved in principle — 21 in the Balanced category and 94 in the Growth category — with 99 still under assessment.
The average processing time for an application under the new framework is just 14 working days, indicating an efficient evaluation system that aligns with the government’s aim to simplify the investment process.
The restructured visa introduces two investment pathways:
Growth Category: Requires a minimum investment of $5 million over 3 years. This category focuses on higher-risk, high-return investments such as direct investments into New Zealand businesses and managed funds.
Balanced Category: Geared toward those seeking lower-risk options, this category requires a $10 million investment over 5 years, with flexibility to include bond and property-type investments.
Key changes to the visa also include:
A reduction in minimum investment thresholds from the previous $15 million (or weighted equivalent).
The removal of English language requirements.
Fewer immigration conditions for investors opting for more active involvement in the New Zealand economy.
Reduced time-in-country requirements for investors making high-impact investments.
Early Signs of Success
Between the previous settings (September 2022 – March 2025), INZ had received 115 applications for 362 individuals. In contrast, the surge to 214 applications in just over three months since the April 2025 launch signals strong investor confidence in the revamped visa structure.
The Active Investor Plus Visa is now firmly positioned as a key tool in New Zealand’s strategy to attract global capital, boost innovation, and create jobs in the island country.
